I praise the Almighty for His working through your ministry and I pray that God the Spirit continues to expose unbiblical doctrines.
I recently came across Calvinism on my search for an understanding of Romans 9 and I must confess I was torn (especially by the doctrine of individual predestination) between my understanding of the nature of God as revealed in other parts of His word and the doctrine thus presented.
I prayed to God for the revelation of His truth to my heart and I commenced a deeper reading of the gospel along with a research for/against Calvinism. I have been to several sights in days but have been blessed specially by yours. In fact, I found more sites in support for Calvinism and the few against if were devoid of extensive reference from the Bible. Please note that I as open to the truth and looked for discussions that were firmly based on comprehensive support from the Bible.
In the meantime, questions and thoughts such as these troubled my mind:
- The Lord is sovereign and can do whatever He pleases but this teaching did not go down well with my understanding of Him.
- Why pray for the propagation of the gospel, the salvation of souls, and the keeping of the converts if nothing can be changed. (We do not pray for the sun to rise and set, we thank God for it.)
- Will God predestine some people to eternal damnation even when they hear the gospel and realize they need help? ie (Sorry, never chose you?)
- Does this mean God pre-selected some and gave the other to the devil from the onset? (A one-for-Me and one-for-you situation?)
- Why does the devil have to tempt people and worry himself if he cannot take those preappointed by God and cannot loose those "given" to him?
Again, I thank God for His work through you and I pray the Holy Spirit continues to use you mightily to the glory of God.
A brother in the Lord